3 managerial candidates outside the Cardinals organization to replace Oliver Marmol

On June 11, 2025, The Athletic took a poll. Among the questions asked were “Which manager, aside from your own, would you not want to play for?” and “Which organizations have good reputations among players? Bad reputations?”

In that poll, the St. Louis Cardinals ranked 21st as a team. Their manager, Oliver Marmol, came in tied for first as a manager that players didn’t want to play for. When looking to see if there has been any improvement in how Marmol manages a game, the answer is a resounding no. 

With a new GM taking over, the Cardinals must reverse the course they are on. Bloom’s changes to the Cardinals’ drafting and player development are apparent, and the next step is finding a manager who can help the players reach their full potential. Marmol has shown that he is not that guy. 

There is the romantic notion of a Cardinals legend like Yadier Molina or Albert Pujols stepping into the manager's role. Their "Cardinal Way" ties and deep understanding of the club's culture are appealing. However, the Cardinals have already tried this path with Mike Matheny, Mike Shildt, and now with Oliver Marmol. It ultimately fell short due in part to a lack of prior major league managerial experience and being too close to the players they now had to manage. The Cardinals, in desperate need of a fresh perspective, cannot afford to repeat past mistakes. The team needs an outside voice to truly complement Bloom's vision for a complete organizational facelift.

Predictions suggest a younger, less experienced Cardinals squad next year, calling for a manager adept at player development. The next Cardinals manager needs to be a proven teacher who can mold young talent, instill fundamentals, and deploy a more aggressive style that uses the team’s growing speed. Being able to use analytics will be crucial. Beyond the clubhouse, they must possess exceptional communication skills, capable of explaining strategies clearly and respectfully to one of baseball's most intelligent and passionate fanbases. The St. Louis fans are good at spotting BS. Experience, particularly as a coach or management and being part of winning teams, will be paramount in steering this new-look Cardinals team back to consistent contention. 

Here is a look at three manager candidates who fit that criteria. 

Jason Varitek 

Jason Varitek presents a very interesting and well-rounded candidate for the St. Louis Cardinals' managerial position, aligning seamlessly with the criteria Bloom would look for. At 53 years old, Varitek possesses a unique blend of experience. He spent 15 years as a player — half of those years as team captain. Throughout his career, he helped young pitchers navigate the pressures of the big leagues. That sounds like something the Cardinals will need. 

His direct, no-nonsense yet supportive approach fosters an environment crucial for player development. He understands the nuances of nurturing talent while instilling accountability. After his playing days, he served as special assistant to the general manager for the Boston Red Sox for approximately eight years, where he was also the organization's catching instructor. 

Veritek transitioned into a coaching position as Game Planning Coordinator in November 2020. Recently, his role became Game Planning and Run Prevention Coach. In this capacity, he has also taken on the broader defensive strategies and ways to prevent runs, beyond just the catching position. He continues to contribute to the strategic preparation for the team, emphasizing the integration of data and fundamental execution for optimal performance.

Varitek's approach embodies a strong blend of traditional methods and new analytics. His playing career grounded him in fundamental baseball, while his recent coaching roles in the Red Sox organization, particularly as Game Planning Coordinator, exposed him to and required the integration of advanced data in strategic preparation. His clear communication and ability to connect old knowledge with new ideas are important for managing today.

Jason Varitek would walk into the clubhouse with instant respect. 

If the Cardinals want to take another chance on a manager without managerial experience, then Varitek should be only one on the list. Chaim Bloom had this to say about Varitek when they were both with the Red Sox: “We have one of the best in Jason Varitek, who, I don’t know if there’s been a more prepared player in my lifetime,” Bloom said. “That’s exactly what he brings to coaching.”

Don Mattingly

Don Mattingly presents a compelling and perhaps perfect fit for a team like the St. Louis Cardinals that is actively embracing a "reset" and focusing on developing its young talent. His extensive baseball background, as both a legendary player and a seasoned manager, offers a unique blend of experience that can benefit a rebuilding club.

Mattingly has been through a significant rebuild, as the Cardinals will soon go through. This process largely defined his seven-year tenure as manager of the Miami Marlins (2016-2022). After an ownership change, the Marlins shed veteran stars and committed to a youth movement. Mattingly navigated these challenging years, fostering a clubhouse environment where young players could grow. He notably led the Marlins to a playoff berth in the shortened 2020 season, earning him the National League Manager of the Year award—a testament to his ability to maximize performance even with a developing roster. This experience would be invaluable to the Cardinals.

Beyond the Marlins, Mattingly has worked with winning organizations. He managed the Los Angeles Dodgers for five seasons (2011-2015), leading them to three consecutive National League West titles and consistent contention. While he didn't win a World Series there, his teams were perennial contenders. He also served as a coach for the New York Yankees under Joe Torre and is currently the bench coach for the Toronto Blue Jays, the team with the best record in baseball. 

Regarding his age, Mattingly is 64 years old. This is certainly not a detriment, as recent World Series have seen older managers lead their teams to championships. Dusty Baker won the World Series at 73 in 2022, and Bruce Bochy won at 68 in 2023. These examples underscore that experience and leadership, rather than age, are paramount.

People widely praise Mattingly for his rapport with young players. His calm demeanor, strong communication skills, and relatable playing career enable him to connect effectively with developing talent. He's known for fostering a supportive environment while also instilling accountability and fundamental baseball principles. This balance is crucial for young players learning how to succeed at the major league level, allowing them to develop without undue pressure. He understands the importance of teaching and development, having stated that he looks forward to "walking that tightrope of us growing and getting better."

Mattingly offers a rare combination of experience managing winning teams and guiding a club through a challenging rebuild. His ability to connect with young players, coupled with his seasoned leadership, makes him an exceptionally strong candidate to lead the Cardinals through their current transition and build for future success.

Walt Weiss

As the St. Louis Cardinals navigate a critical "reset" phase, focusing on their promising young core, the search for a new managerial voice must prioritize experience, an understanding of development, and a pragmatic approach to modern baseball. Walt Weiss, currently the bench coach for the Atlanta Braves, emerges as an excellent fit to lead the Redbirds back to consistent contention.

Weiss's 14-year MLB playing career as a shortstop imbues him with a profound understanding of the game's nuances. This foundational "old school" baseball IQ, forged on the field, is something even a struggling young roster will instantly respect. More critically, his nearly decade-long tenure as bench coach for the Atlanta Braves, including a World Series championship in 2021, demonstrates his ability to thrive within a winning, analytically sophisticated organization. He's not merely tolerating data; he's actively integrating it, acting as a trusted advisor to manager Brian Snitker on strategic decisions. This blend of classic baseball wisdom and modern analytical application is precisely what the Cardinals need: a leader who understands the tradition but isn't afraid to leverage every tool available.

While his managerial record with the Colorado Rockies (2013-2016) shows a losing mark, it's essential to consider the context of that perpetually rebuilding franchise and its unique challenges. The Cardinals' third baseman and former Rockies star Nolan Arenado has spoken highly of Weiss's managerial capabilities, praising his direct communication and accountability. Arenado's endorsement, given his own demanding standards, speaks volumes about Weiss's ability to connect with and motivate even elite players, a critical skill when nurturing young talent. Most managers will tell you they are much better managers the second time around. 

Weiss's experience with the Braves, a team that has masterfully developed its young stars into a championship core, is perhaps his strongest selling point. He's been an integral part of a system that emphasizes patience, clear communication, and a rigorous development pathway. For a Cardinals club relying heavily on its burgeoning talent, Weiss provides the steady hand, experienced eye, and balanced perspective to guide them through their inevitable growing pains. He would be a manager who understands that while analytics inform, the human element, player relationships, and fundamental discipline ultimately win games—a philosophy tailor-made for the Cardinals' next chapter.